Recipient Stories

You never know what effect you can make on a life until you understand what giving blood means for those whose lives depend on it. This simple act of giving means the world for those who recieve. Here are some experiences of these recipients.  

From your community
Dylan and his mother Jackie Joshua enjoying bowling Christy volunteering 5 years after the accident Robert with his first grandson Jamaya has recieved countless platelet and blood tranfusions for her disease

Dylan's Story  Dylan was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia approximately one year ago resulting in intense treatment that includes blood products. Thanks to this treatment, along with a loving family and support from all around his southern Arkansas community, Dylan is currently in maintenance chemotherapy.

“My husband has given blood as often as he could for years. Little did we know how much that would mean to our family and how it could impact others. Thank God for blood donors who understand the need and give regularly. Because of them, the blood was available for transfusion during Dylan’s time of need,” says Dylan's mother.  

 Joshua's Story At two years old Joshua was diagnosed with Sickle Cell Anemia. By the time he was nine his body was in crisis and he was hospitalized. Joshua's mother watches for warning signs such as yellowing eyes, lack of energy, and discoloration and he has also suffered from acute chest syndrome. 

Joshua has often needed blood transfusions for his condition. "Sometimes I feel like I can't take it anymore but soon after I receive the transfusion the pain goes away. I would like to say 'thank you' to the blood donors who continue to save my life," says Joshua. 

Christy's Story  A recent college graduate with enthusiasm for her bright career, Christy’s life changed in a moment. A car accident resulted in a coma and multiple internal injuries.

With the strength of her family, friends, numerous blood transfusions, surgery and rehab Christy has recovered. Today, eight years later, she is now a successful and recognized professional and a volunteer enjoying her bright career she looked forward to, and life’s moments to their fullest.

Robert's Story  In 2003, Robert went to visit his first grandson at two weeks old. During that time, he suddenly passed out and was determined to be hemorrhaging from an esophageal tear. Fortunately, the blood was there when he needed it. Robert, who is a 15-year employee of LifeShare Blood Centers said, "I have been asking people to donate for years...but I never thought it would be me."

Robert's grandson is now a football-playing 2nd grader who loves to come visit LifeShare. "My three youngest granddaughters would not have known their Papa if someone did not take the time to roll up their sleeves and donate o+ blood," says Robert (now a proud Papa of six grandchildren).  

Jamaya's Journey Jamaya Johnson is battling cancer for the third time. She has a rare form of cancer called mixed cellular Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Through two years of treatments at St. Jude’s, she has endured more than many of us will during a lifetime. Countless blood and platelet transfusions along with her medical treatments put her in remission twice. But, this time Jamaya is in need of a marrow donor and finding a match may be one of the most difficult tasks she will face.

"When I found out I had cancer again I didn’t want to fight, but I told my mother that I wouldn’t talk like that and I would fight so that’s what I’m doing now," says Jamaya.

 

Do you want to tell others why you give blood?

Or maybe you want to tell what it meant to you when blood was available when you needed it.

Submit your story here.